The artwork, titled “Three-handed Theotokos, Iconostasis of the White Church in Karan, Serbia,” was created by Orthodox Icons between 1340 and 1342. It belongs to the genre of iconography and is part of the series depicting the Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
This religious piece features the Theotokos, or Mother of God, holding the Christ Child. The Virgin Mary is rendered in traditional Orthodox iconographic style, displaying a serene and contemplative expression. The Christ Child is depicted blessing with one hand while holding a scroll in the other. One of the most distinctive features of the artwork is the additional third hand of the Virgin Mary, which is symbolic in Orthodox Christian tradition, often interpreted as a miraculous or intercessory representation. The figures are adorned with halos and are draped in garments typical of Byzantine iconography, illustrating the divine and holy nature of the subjects. The use of rich, yet subdued colors, primarily blues and golds, adds to the sacred and timeless quality of the piece.
